Marykkundoru Kunjadu Review

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Shafi's new film might definitely appeal to people who are on the lookout for a few nontoxic laughs. But for those who wish to see Dileep in roles that offer some substance, the wait goes on. 2 out of 5 (Average)
| Veeyen (NOWRUNNING)

Dileep plays Solomon in Marykkundoru Kunjadu, a village simpleton who has been nicknamed Kunjadu, since he is adept at getting beaten up by people. In love with Mary (Bhavana) and at loggerheads with her three gigantic brothers, life isn't easy for Solomon. When he befriends a giant of a man who calls himself Vishnu (Biju Menon) and whom he saves from a well, Solomon starts life afresh, and learns to set his spine straight for once.

Shafi's Marykkundoru Kunjadu doesn't let the young lamb graze any new meadows. Rather it trots around on well-known pastures and makes do with easily identifiable story situations. Dileep's Solomon is a redraft of several characters that he himself has done in the past. In fact, Solomon is the kind of character that has over the years, made Dileep the actor and star he is today.

Shafi's story midway through makes an admittance in the form of a mumble that emerges from Solomon. Solomon admits that he would have a field day from now on, with Vishnu beside him, like 'Cochin Haneefa in Kireedom'. Perhaps this was the spur for the film itself since about three fourth of it depends on this connection that is established between Solomon and Vishnu.

The makers try to cash in on Solomon's vulnerability that had earlier worked in films like Chanthupottu. The associated trappings that come along with the character are all kept in tact. The regular bashing that he receives or the fleeing that takes place ever so often or the supportive and the slightly bolder girlfriend; its all there. Lately however, an addition that has crept in is the highly helpful and adoring dad in the first half who later throws the son out of the house, and the son who sets up a shack of his own outside family property.

There are jokes aplenty in the film that have the Dileep stamp all over them. Mostly one liners and some slapstick is what Marykkoru Kunjadu has on offer. There is also support from a character played by Salim Kumar who makes coffins for a living. That it ultimately ends up on an unnecessarily over-the-top note is surprising.

Dileep is quite comfortable playing what he plays best. And makes sure that he plays it up to the gallery. But the real man who makes this show worthy is Biju Menon who is smashing in a part that he chomps up into bits. It's very rare that we get to see Biju let loose in such refreshingly disarming roles, and he proves beyond doubt as to what an extremely underused actor he truly is.

Shafi's new film might definitely appeal to people who are on the lookout for a few nontoxic laughs. But for those who wish to see Dileep in roles that offer some substance, the wait goes on.